Mourners targeted by smoke canister

Friday 23rd January 2009, 11:15AM GMT.

A man has been arrested after a smoke canister was set off at a funeral.

A group of mourners, who had been attending the wake of Paul Smith, was evacuated from the Black Swan Hotel, in Leominster, after the canister was discharged.

No-one was injured but fire crews cleared the building to ensure the property and the canister were safe.

Mr Smith’s body was found along with that of his friend Andrew Smith in the River Lugg in Leominster earlier in the month.

Police said there was clear evidence to link the canister incident with Mr Smith’s funeral on Wednesday.

Constable Tracy Lewis, of Leominster Police, said: “Evidence suggests this was probably considered as a joke by the person concerned but was clearly a very dangerous thing to do and could have resulted in injury.

“As it is, the hotel has sustained £200 worth of carpet damage caused by the hot canister and the pub had to close for the evening.”

A local man was arrested yesterday. He has been released on police bail.

View more: South Shropshire news.